Assistant Manager Chris Beech reflects on Tuesday night’s defeat to Port Vale…
Nathan Smith’s second half header separated the two sides at Vale Park.
“It was a scrappy goal to concede,” Beech told Dale PlayerHD.
“Smith, who played very well today, got the contact and that slight deflection saw it loop into the far corner.
“It was a wide free-kick again. We didn’t defend it on Saturday and we didn’t defend it again tonight. It cost us winning the game on Saturday and it cost us an opportunity to win the game tonight.
“There wasn’t too much in the game. If you look at the first half in terms of goal contact, shots at goal etc, then Rochdale were in the ascendancy. Port Vale had that one chance when Anton Forrester had a chance with his header.
“We spoke to the players at half-time about how we wanted to shorten up the game and the passing – pass and penetrate, which is what we’re good at, and if anything, we went a little bit too long in the second half.
“We’ve got to understand our strengths as we recognise our weaknesses. The game was in the balance and that goal had a big meaning in terms of who would gain the three points.”
Beech confirmed that Joe Rafferty missed the game due to a groin problem, while Manager Keith Hill was out of action due to a medical problem.
The full interview Dale PlayerHD.